U.S. patent application number 14/694527 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for method for transporting concentrated mass loads by container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert A. EDWARDS, Tony GUO. Invention is credited to Robert A. EDWARDS, Tony GUO.
Application Number | 20150266614 14/694527 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44080956 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150266614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EDWARDS; Robert A. ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING CONCENTRATED MASS LOADS BY CONTAINER
Abstract
A cradle for use with a load-bearing pallet and a shipping
container is disclosed and comprises a support portion, an
arresting portion and a base portion. The support portion, in use,
is disposed beneath and supporting the pallet. The pallet, in use,
is disposed in the container between the container sides. The
arresting portion, in use, arrests horizontal sliding motion of the
pallet relative to the support portion. The base portion, in use,
is disposed on the floor of the container and spreads the load of
the pallet, the support portion and the arresting portion over the
floor of the container to within the capacity of the container. The
base portion further is adapted to permit the pallet to be
deposited onto and removed from the support portion by the truck
using the rear doors of the container. A method for shipping steel
coils using the cradle is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
EDWARDS; Robert A.;
(Hamilton, CA) ; GUO; Tony; (Hamilton,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EDWARDS; Robert A.
GUO; Tony |
Hamilton
Hamilton |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
44080956 |
Appl. No.: |
14/694527 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12845264 |
Jul 28, 2010 |
|
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14694527 |
|
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61266750 |
Dec 4, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/598 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00815
20130101; B65D 19/0053 20130101; B65D 2519/00293 20130101; B65D
2519/00323 20130101; B65D 19/44 20130101; B65D 2519/00796 20130101;
B65D 90/006 20130101; B65D 2590/0058 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/44 20060101
B65D019/44; B65D 19/00 20060101 B65D019/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. A cradle for use with a load-bearing pallet and a shipping
container, the cradle comprising: a support portion which, in use,
is disposed beneath and in supporting relation to the pallet, the
load-bearing pallet being disposed in the shipping container in a
position midway between the sides of the container; an arresting
portion which, in use, arrests horizontal sliding motion of the
pallet relative to the support portion; and a base portion which,
in use, is disposed on the floor of the shipping container and
spreads the load of the load-bearing pallet, the support portion
and the arresting portion over the floor of the shipping container
to within the capacity of the shipping container, the base portion
being adapted to permit the load-bearing pallet to be deposited
into and removed from the support portion by a forklift truck using
the rear doors of the container.
18. A cradle according to claim 17 wherein: the base portion is
rigidly secured to the support portion and substantially spans the
width of the shipping container in use.
19. A cradle according to claim 17 wherein the base portion is
adapted to permit the load-bearing pallet to be deposited onto and
removed from the support portion by a forklift truck using the rear
doors of the container, by means of a pair of outriggers which, in
use, run lengthwise of the container and along each side thereof,
the outriggers which, in use, run lengthwise of the container and
along each side thereof, the outriggers defining therebetween a
drive-in area immediately longitudinally adjacent the support
portion which the forklift truck enters and leaves during the
deposit and removal, respectively, of the load-bearing pallet.
20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/845,264 filed Jul. 28, 2010 which claims
the benefit of 61/266,750 filed Dec. 4, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the transportation of
concentrated mass loads by container and a cradle for use in
transporting concentrated mass loads by container. The invention
has application to the transportation of, inter alia, steel coils
and other concentrated mass cargo, such as granite.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to ship steel coils by container. However,
placing, for example, a 19,000 lb. coil of steel upright on a
conventional 42''.times.48'' pallet would impart localized loading
on a standard container floor which would exceed its design
capacity. As well, although open frame containers have been
developed which permit side loading or loading by way of a crane,
there are relatively few of these containers in circulation.
Accordingly, known methods for shipping steel coils often involve
relatively expensive pallets which are loaded with coils, which are
slid or rolled into a container for use and which spread the load
of the coils over the container floor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A method for use with a coil-bearing pallet, a shipping
container and a forklift truck forms one aspect of the invention.
This method comprises the steps of: fitting into the container a
cradle adapted to receive the coil-bearing pallet and to spread the
load of the coil-bearing pallet over the floor of the container;
reinforcing the floor of the container using a set of plates to
permit the forklift truck to place the coil-bearing pallet onto the
cradle; placing the coil-bearing pallet onto the cradle using the
forklift truck; and securing the coil against movement within the
container with restraints, to produce a containerized coil.
[0005] Forming yet another aspect of the invention is a method for
use with a forklift truck and with a coil-bearing pallet secured in
a container on a cradle by restraints, the method comprising the
steps of: releasing the restraints; reinforcing the floor of the
container using a set of plates to permit the forklift truck to
remove the coil-bearing pallet from the cradle; and removing the
coil-bearing pallet from the cradle using the forklift truck.
[0006] Forming a further aspect of the invention is a method for
transporting three steel coils between a shipping location and a
receiving location, each coil being in excess of 14,200 lbs. This
method comprises the steps of: fitting into a shipping container
three cradles, each adapted to receive a respective one of the
coils and to spread the load of said one of the coils over the
floor of the container to within the carrying capacity of the
container; placing onto each cradle the coil which it is adapted to
receive; securing the coils against movement relative to the
container; and shipping the container between the shipping location
and the receiving location.
[0007] A cradle for use with a load-bearing pallet and a shipping
container forms yet another aspect of the invention. The cradle
comprises a support portion, an arresting portion and a base
portion. The support portion, in use, is disposed beneath and in
supporting relation to the pallet. The load-bearing pallet, in use,
is disposed in the shipping container in a position midway between
the sides of the container. The arresting portion, in use, arrests
horizontal sliding motion of the pallet relative to the support
portion. The base portion, in use, is disposed on the floor of the
shipping container and spreads the load of the load-bearing pallet,
the support portion and the arresting portion over the floor of the
shipping container to within the capacity of the shipping
container. The base portion further is adapted to permit the
load-bearing pallet to be deposited onto and removed from the
support portion by a forklift truck using the rear doors of the
container.
[0008] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the cradle
can be used for transporting coil steel.
[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will become
evident upon review of the accompanying detailed description and
drawings, the latter being briefly described hereinafter.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the several views and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cradle
embodying the invention;
[0012] FIG. 1A is a plan view of the structure of FIG. 1A,
partially in phantom, for clarity;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior of a container,
showing the end result of a loading method in which the cradle of
FIG. 1 can be used;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the interior of a container as it
appears at an earlier point of the loading method;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of encircled area 4 of FIG.
2;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the structure of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cradle according to
another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the cradle of FIG. 7, with the
outline of a coil of steel superimposed thereon;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 8; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view of the structure of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0022] As indicated above, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an
exemplary cradle 20 embodying the invention.
[0023] This exemplary cradle 20 will be seen to include a support
portion 22, an arresting portion 24 and a base portion 26.
[0024] The support portion 22 comprises three panels 28 of 3/4
plywood and four pieces 30 of dimensional hardwood lumber. The
support pieces 30 are each approximately 7'.times.4''.times.4'',
arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart so that the
outermost surfaces of the outermost pieces are 50'' apart from one
another. This distance is indicated as A on FIG. 1A. The plywood
panels 28 surface and are laid cross-wise across the support pieces
30.
[0025] The arresting portion comprises another six pieces 32, 34,
35 of dressed and dimensional lumber. Two of these pieces 35 are
arranged parallel, outside and abutting to the outermost support
pieces 30. Upon these pieces 35 lay pieces 34, which are softwood
each about 55''.times.3.5''.times.3.5''. These latter two pieces 34
are disposed parallel to the support pieces 30 and spaced apart so
that their innermost surfaces are about 50'' apart from one
another. This distance is indicated by C on FIG. 1A.
[0026] The remaining two pieces 32 are softwood about
49''.times.3.5''.times.3.5'', lay crosswise of and centrally spaced
upon pieces 34, parallel to one another and spaced apart so that
their innermost surfaces are about 44'' apart from one another.
This distance is indicated as B on FIG. 1A.
[0027] The base portion comprises another seven pieces 36, 38, 40
dimensional lumber: [0028] two of these pieces 36 are outrigger
pieces; [0029] two of these pieces 38 are laterals; and [0030] the
three remaining pieces 40 are skid elements.
[0031] Each outrigger 36 is approximately 10'.times.6''.times.6''.
These are arranged parallel to one and spaced apart so that their
innermost edges are about 72'' apart from one another. This
dimension is indicated as D on FIG. 1A. The support pieces 30 are
supported on the outriggers 36 and span to the outer edges thereof,
with the outermost surfaces of the support pieces 30 being,
respectively, about 3'8'' and 2'4'' away from the ends of the
outriggers 36, these distances, respectively, being indicated by E,
F on FIG. 1A.
[0032] The laterals 38 are each about 89''.times.4''.times.4''.
These are disposed parallel to the support pieces 30, upon the
outriggers 36 and spaced apart so that their innermost surfaces are
7'4'' apart from one another, as indicated by G on FIG. 1A, with
one of the laterals 38 being disposed at the end of the outriggers
36 which is 2'4'' away from the support pieces and the laterals 38
evenly overlapping the outriggers 36.
[0033] The skid elements 40 are each approximately
84''.times.6''.times.6''. The skid elements 40 are arranged
parallel to one another and to the outriggers 36, are disposed
centrally between the outriggers 36, span beneath the laterals 38
and are equally spaced from one another such that their outermost
surfaces are 3'8'' apart, this dimension being indicated by H on
FIG. 1A.
[0034] The various dimensional lumber pieces are secured to one
another wherever they intersect by carriage bolts to form a rigid
assembly, and the plywood is rigidly secured to the assembly by
screws. The plywood panel 28 are indicated in phantom outline in
FIG. 1A, for clarity.
[0035] The cradle 20 can advantageously be used to transport steel
coils by container.
[0036] In one exemplary method, three of these cradles are used to
transport three steel coils, each between about 14,000 and about
19,000 lbs., between a shipping location and a receiving location,
each steel coil being palletized on a 44''.times.50'' pallet and
each of the shipping and receiving locations having a forklift
truck and a shipping dock.
[0037] As an initial step in the method, a standard 40' high stress
marine container of 5 years of age or less and carried by a road
chassis is brought into a loading position against the loading dock
at the shipping location by a tractor or the like. In this
position, the rear doors of the container are open, and the dock
leveler provides a path for a forklift truck into the interior of
the container.
[0038] Thereafter, the container is loaded from the front to the
rear, through the rear door of the container, according to the
following loading method substeps which are carried out, in
seriatim: [0039] i. placement of the frontmost cradle; [0040] ii.
reinforcement of the floor from the rear doors to the frontmost
cradle; [0041] iii. placement of the frontmost palletized coil by
forklift truck; [0042] iv. removal of the floor reinforcement to a
position immediately rearward of the ultimate location of the
middle cradle; [0043] v. placement of the middle cradle; [0044] vi.
placement of the middle coil by forklift truck; [0045] vii. removal
of the floor reinforcement to a position immediately rearward of
the ultimate location of the rearmost cradle; [0046] viii.
placement of the rearmost cradle; [0047] ix. placement of the
rearmost coil by forklift truck; and [0048] x. removal of the
remaining floor reinforcement.
[0049] As a further substep (xi) of the method, the coils are
secured to the container.
[0050] With regard to substeps (i), (v) and (viii), and with
reference to FIG. 2, which shows, in plan, the coils 42, 44, 46 and
cradles 20 after the completion of the loading method, each cradle
20 is positioned such that: [0051] the coils 42, 44, 46, once
positioned, are centered widthwise in the container 48; [0052] the
axis of the frontmost coil 42 is 6'-7.5'' [I] from the front wall
50 of the container; [0053] the axis X2 of the middle coil 44 is
13'-2.5'' [J] from the axis X1 of the frontmost coil 42; and [0054]
the axis X3 of the rearmost coil 46 is 13'-2.75'' [K] from the axis
X2 of the middle coil 44 and 6'-3/4'' [L] from the rear doors
52.
[0055] With regard to substeps (iii), (vi) and (ix): [0056] each
coil is placed on the support pieces, between the pieces of
dimensional lumber which collectively define the arresting portion,
such that: the support portion is disposed beneath and in
supporting relation to the pallet of the palletized steel coil; the
arresting portion arrests horizontal sliding motion of the
palletized steel coil relative to the support portion; and the base
portion spreads the load of the palletized steel coil, the support
portion and the arresting portion over the floor of the shipping
container to within the capacity of the shipping container; [0057]
during placement of a coil on a cradle, the forklift truck (not
shown) enters a drive-in area 54 of the cradle which is defined
between the outriggers and immediately longitudinally rearwardly
adjacent the support portion (the drive-in area is shown on FIG. 3
and on FIG. 1A) [0058] the heaviest coil is disposed over the
chassis wheels; and [0059] the lightest coil is disposed between
the other two coils.
[0060] With further regard to the placement of the palletized coil
on the cradle, it should be noted that the skids of the pallet
substantially overlie the skid elements of the cradle, which has
some advantage in terms of load capacity.
[0061] With regard to substeps (ii), (iv), (vi) and (x), the floor
reinforcement in the exemplary method takes the form of a set of
3/8'' steel plates which lie on the floor of the container and
spread the load of the forklift truck and the coil it carries over
the floor of the container so as to avoid bursting. The plates are
preferably about 6' wide, so as to easily accommodate forklift
travel. The plate lengths are ideally at least 4', so as to span
three or more of the channels which define the container base, but
lengths can vary. Preferably, the lengths will be adjusted, so
that, as loading progresses, plates can be removed, to make room
for the next cradle, while maintaining a reinforced path for the
forklift truck.
[0062] For greater reference, FIG. 3 shows, in plan, the interior
of the container 48 of FIG. 2, just before the placement of the
frontmost coil; leading to the frontmost cradle 20 are reinforcing
plates 56.
[0063] With regard to (xi), as further substeps of the loading
method, as shown in FIG. 2: [0064] each coil is secured to the
cradle, by four bands 58 of sufficient strength to at least equal
the coil static weight; [0065] each coil is secured to the
container anchor lashings 60 with four chains 62 of sufficient
strength and numbers to at least equal the coil static weight; and
[0066] blocking 64 is fitted around the cradles, to block same
against sliding movement within the container.
[0067] These substeps can be done at any time, but are preferably
done in stages, as loading progresses.
[0068] As further steps of the transport method, after the loading
method has been carried out: [0069] the container is shipped in a
conventional manner between the shipping location and the receiving
location; and [0070] the coils are removed from the container at
the receiving location, by carrying out an unloading method which
is analogous to the loading method but reversed.
[0071] Persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that the foregoing
provides a method for transporting steel coils of substantial
advantage: [0072] containerization protects the coils from weather
during transport; [0073] containerization allows for relatively
inexpensive transport by sea, road and rail; [0074] the cradle is
relatively inexpensive in comparison to many known load-and-roll
pallets; [0075] the loading and unloading steps can be carried out
without the need for an expensive overhead crane and with forklift
trucks; and [0076] the method permits the use of relatively
commonplace 40' marine containers.
[0077] On the matter of the forklift trucks, these should be
capable of carrying the loads in question and sized for use within
the container intended to be used. Forklift trucks can be commonly
sourced to custom specifications, and attaining the present
requirements is a matter of routine to manufacturers thereof.
[0078] Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that
some of the advantage of the exemplary cradle flows from dual
functionality of the piece 38 which lies closes to the drive-in
area 54 of the cradle; this element 38, which forms part of the
support portion 22, also co-acts with base portion 26, in that
piece 38 helps to integrate skid elements 40 with the outrigger
pieces 36 and helps to spread the load.
[0079] Whereas but a single embodiment of the cradle is shown, and
but a single embodiment of the transportation method is described,
persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that
variations are possible.
[0080] A steel cradle is shown, for example, in FIGS. 7-10. This
cradle is relatively durable, so as to be reusable for many years.
At the same time, a steel cradle would still be relatively
inexpensively in comparison to known load-and-roll pallets and, in
some situations, could be economically used only once and
thereafter recycled as scrap. Cradles of aluminum or softwood could
also be used.
[0081] As well, whereas a specific construction for a wood pallet
is detailed, other variations therein could be made.
[0082] Further, whereas the exemplary method contemplates loading
and unloading as taking place on a loading dock, with the container
supported on a road chassis, this is not necessary. It would, for
example, be conceivable that the container could be handled at one
of the shipping and receiving locations by, for example, an
overhead crane, and loaded at grade. In these situations,
reinforcement of the container floor would not be required.
[0083] Additionally, whereas steel plates are described for
reinforcement, this is merely a convenient and relatively
inexpensive solution. Other reinforcements, such as grills,
lattices, corrugated panels, etc., could all be employed, as could
materials other than steel, for example, aluminum or carbon
fiber.
[0084] Yet further, whereas a specific shipping arrangement, of 3
coils in a 40' container is described, other variations can be
made.
[0085] For example, in a 40' container, fewer than three coils,
each in excess of 14,200 lbs. could also be shipped, with suitable
blocking.
[0086] Pallets smaller than 44''.times.50'', for example, can be
used with the cradle; a 42''.times.48'' pallet, for example, can be
conveniently used.
[0087] As well, the illustrated cradles could be used in a 20'
container, with suitable changes to the blocking.
[0088] Additionally, if the present cradle was shortened by 6'',
two of these cradles could be fitted in a 20' cradle, with 4'' of
T-bracing at the door; in this case, the maximum load carried by
these cradles would be reduced to 18,500 lbs.
[0089] Further, the cradle can be used in combination with other
palletized loads in a single container. Smaller coils, for example,
in the range 4000-14,200 lbs., can be interspersed in amongst coils
carried by the inventive cradle. For example, in a 40' container,
two conventional pallets could each carry a coil of less than
14,200 lbs., and two coils in excess of 14,200 lbs. could each be
carried by a respective cradle of the present invention.
[0090] Accordingly, the invention should be understood as limited
only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.
* * * * *